A new cat rescue has opened in Youngtown just west of Phoenix. Cat’s World Rescue, as its name suggests, is a safe haven for cast-out and unwanted kitties looking for new forever homes. There are already exciting expansion plans in the near future for the fledgling combo thrift store and no-kill, 501c3 cat rescue located at 12002 111th Ave, Youngtown, Arizona. Founded on March 14, 2014, their reasonably-priced thrift store opened its doors first. Rescued cats and kittens were not far behind. This well cared for, lovable selection of cats and kittens over 12 weeks are up for adoption at the very affordable fee of $45. All cats and kittens are vet checked, tested for feline leukemia, spayed or neutered, and vaccinated prior to adoption. The rescue is currently open Monday – Saturday, 9:00 - 4:00 with an additional Sunday opening, 11:00 - 3:00, planned soon.

The venture was founded by Michael and Carol Janski and their son Michael Jr. On board with them are store manager Sally Young, office manager and treasurer Penny Bailey, shelter manager Susan Corral and a hard-working dedicated band of volunteers and staff boasting considerable experience with cat care and rescue, no-kill shelters and thrift stores.

Cats World Rescue already has a reputation and significant following; within its first six weeks 78 people had signed up as members. For a minimum membership fee of $20 members are given voting rights at board meetings. Some members also volunteer their time; in fact everyone volunteers their time, none of the staff receive pay, and every cent coming in goes towards the care of the animals and day-to-day running of Cats World Rescue.

As with most rescues, should you decide to surrender a cat or kitten, don’t expect to be able to drop it off at the door. Rescues and shelters are nearly always full and intake is dependant on space available. Before deciding to bring a cat or kitten to Cats World Rescue give them a call on 623 218-6436 during business hours and arrange to have your name put on their waiting list. Currently Cats World Rescue can accommodate approximately 35 cats. Within the first 6 weeks forever homes had been found for nearly twenty of their kitties.

With such a young enterprise there is an urgent need to build up a strong volunteer force. More volunteers are desperately needed to help care for the kitties at the rescue, to foster cats and kittens at home, and to help run the thrift store. Keeping cats healthy and happy in a rescue or shelter setting is a seven-day week, holiday-inclusive, labor-intensive task. Donations, which are tax deductible, are high on the list too. Monetary donations, however small, are always welcome as are practical items including, but not limited to, litter, toys, treats, wet food for the cats and kittens, Clorox cleaner, paper towels, office supplies, and, gently used household items, clothing and furniture for resale in the thrift store. Remember, as Cats World Rescue has 501c3 status, your donations are tax deductible.

More information and photos of the cats and kittens can be found on the Cats World Rescue’s Facebook page. If you are interested in volunteering or donating call World Cats Rescue on 623 218-6436 Monday – Saturday, 9:00 - 4:00, or why not drop in and visit the kitties and thrift store at 12002 N 111th Ave, Youngtown AZ – you might just find a treasure!

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Wendy Warwick White, an ex-pat Brit, is a published writer and author living in Arizona. Wendy resides just west of Phoenix with three cats, Mrs. Gloria Teasdale, Tallulah Bankhead and Jazzie. The "Three Ladies" were adopted while she was employed at a local cat rescue and shelter.
As a member of the cat rescue's management team Wendy added to her cat knowledge and adapted and used her skills as an RN to encompass all aspects of cat care in a shelter environment. Wendy has lived with cats her entire life. Many of her assorted feline friends have been special needs cats.